UK, eight other countries ‘concerned’ over abductions in Kenya

Nine ambassadors and high commissioners of foreign diplomatic missions in Kenya have expressed concern over the recent spate of abductions across the country.

Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.K. in a joint statement on Thursday said every Kenyan is entitled to the rights and fundamental freedoms spelt out in the constitution.

“Upholding human rights leads to stability and prosperity. Therefore, we note our concern over ongoing reports of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances despite High Court rulings,”

“It is crucial to ensure the rule of law prevails and the rulings of the judiciary are followed.”

The ambassadors and high commissioners referred to President William Ruto's repeated pledge since assuming office in 2022 that enforced disappearances will not happen under his watch.

While congratulating Kenya on its election to the United Nations Human Rights Council, the envoys called for investigations into the abductions.

“Swift and transparent investigations will enable Kenya to demonstrate to the World its commitment to upholding rights as it takes up its seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council,” they said.

In recent weeks, seven Turkish asylum seekers were violently captured by security agents in Nairobi, sparking condemnation from rights groups.

Some outspoken bloggers and social media users have also faced similar ordeals since the height of the June protests against President Ruto’s government.